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| Attribute | Phlebotomists | Dental Assistants |
|---|---|---|
| Career area | Health Support | Health Support |
| What it involves | Draw blood for tests, transfusions, donations, or research. May explain the procedure to patients and assist in the recovery of patients with adverse reactions. | Perform limited clinical duties under the direction of a dentist. Clinical duties may include equipment preparation and sterilization, preparing patients for treatment, assisting the dentist during treatment, and… |
| Helpful KCSE subjects | ||
| Study routes | ||
| Typical training route | Diploma/Level 6, TVET or specialist professional/technical training | Diploma/Level 6, TVET or specialist professional/technical training |
| Entry requirements | Degree mean grade C+. Minimum subjects include Biology C+ and Chemistry C+; Mathematics/Physics and language requirements also apply. Diploma routes usually specify English/Kiswahili, maths/science minimums. | Not a course-regulated occupation. Entry depends on employer requirements, demonstrated skill and experience. If pursuing TVET, KUCCPS level bands apply. |
| Training duration | Degree: about 4 years; diploma: about 3 years | Varies from short courses/on-the-job training to 1-3 year TVET programmes |
| Work environment | ||
| Employment type | ||
| Kenya demand | High - essential service sector with persistent need for trained health professionals; demand varies by cadre and public/private hiring cycles. | High - essential service sector with persistent need for trained health professionals; demand varies by cadre and public/private hiring cycles. |
| Outlook / AI impact | Stable-to-growing / AI-augmented | Stable-to-growing / AI-augmented |
| Professional regulator | Kenya Medical Laboratory Technicians and Technologists Board (KMLTTB) | No single statutory professional regulator identified for this general title |
| Could this suit you? | May suit you if you enjoy helping people, science and careful practical work; useful strengths include Clear communication, Listening, Close visual accuracy. | May suit you if you enjoy helping people, science and careful practical work; useful strengths include Listening, Clear communication, Close visual accuracy. |
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